Anyone Who Thinks Ukraine Can Join the EU Is Mistaken

The European Union can only admit a functioning state; a country where organized crime is highly prevalent should not be allowed to join, security policy expert Istvan Gyarmati says in an interview for Magyar Nemzet, warning about the risks of Ukraine's EU accession.

Ukrainian and EU flags in front of the European Parliament building in Brussels, February 24, 2025 (Photo: AFP)

Gyarmati emphasized that Ukraine’s EU accession presents numerous challenges, and the European Union must ensure that membership strengthens the stability and security of the bloc rather than introducing new risks.

Many fear—and I believe this concern is not entirely unfounded—that due to the war threat, Ukraine could be hastily admitted to the EU without meeting the strict accession criteria. This is a real danger that must be firmly resisted,

he said.

We can only enforce reforms in a country while it is not yet a member. Once it becomes a member, this becomes much more difficult. Trust should not be given in advance—only once the necessary reforms are implemented should a country be admitted, no matter how long it takes

Gyarmati concluded.

Cover photo: Ukrainian and EU flags in front of the European Parliament building in Brussels, February 24, 2025 (Photo: AFP)